2ND QUARTER Wizards 29, Bulls 21
Top scorer: Brendan Haywood, 7 Top rebounders: Hughes, Ruffin, Nocioni, 3
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After Etan Thomas in Game 3 and Jared Jeffries in Game 4, Brendan Haywood became the latest Wizards big man to perform like a bona fide playoff pivot. The 7-foot locker room cut-up with the elongated arms was rotating seamlessly on defense, waiting for the Bulls' guards to get in the air before he either changed or blocked shots. On the other end, he was effective from short range, finishing the half with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.
Jeffries and Haywood, the self-proclaimed "Little Two," were active on both ends. The moment the Wizards took the court, the physical nature of the series was irrevocably changed. It wasn't just the skill, it was the muscle of Washington that began to do in the Bulls.
Washington's once-placid post players were sealing off defenders to score, making statues of Andres Nocioni, Game 1's forgotten star. Antonio Davis and Othella Harrington appeared more old and decrepit than spry, and were unable to mount any kind of interior challenge.
